Obituary – Herman Ralph Willis
Herman Ralph Willis
BRISTOL, FL – Herman Ralph Willis, age 88, of Bristol went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.
Ralph was born on Dec. 12, 1935 to Edward and Malbry (Thomas) Willis in Kathleen.
He was a retired deliveryman with Tatum Hardware, formerly C. C. Corbin Hardware in Blountstown. He served in the Florida Army Nation Guard for 32 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant with the 144th Transportation Company in Marianna.
Ralph loved his community, serving as Assistant Fire Chief with the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He also continued the trade he learned from his father as a shoe cobbler in the family business, Willis Shoe Repair.
He was a member of Bristol Church of God where he joyfully served as a Greeter. Ralph along with his wife Sharon dearly loved going to Wimauma for the Church of God Camp Meeting. He enjoyed doing all kinds of woodwork. Ralph never met a stranger and could always be counted on to bring humor and a smile to all he encountered. His family will always cherish his favorite farewell phrase, “I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it!”
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Malbry (Thomas) Willis, brother, Edward and a sister, Mary.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sharon (Peavy) Willis of  Bristol; two sons, Rodney Willis and his wife, Sandy of Clarksville, Grant Willis and his wife, Brandy of Tallahassee; two grandsons, Jordan Willis and Drew Willis.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry Blackburn and Rev. Samuel Mathis officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Altha.
Anyone wishing may make contributions in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Wounded Warrior Project.
All arrangements are under the direction of Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown.
About Author
